At PreCollege, you will be busy. Each morning ALL students attend one of their five classes in art foundations: Drawing; Life Study; 3D Design; 2D: Color and Digital Processes; and 4D: Art in Motion. These are three-hour classes that are project-based. After a lunch break, each students attends one of two immersions, which meet twice a week - Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday. Class last for 2 1/2-3 hours, then a brief break, then directed Open Studio in that course. During this Open Studio, both the instructor and teaching assistant are available to answer questions and make sure the student is well on the way to accomplishing the assignment. Wednesday afternoons are reserved for other co-curricular activities, such as a museum trip or a "majors fair" where students can learn about all the majors offered by Ringling College.

Do I have to live on campus for PreCollege?

Briefly, Yes. PreCollege is a full-time residential program and students are expected to remain on campus for required curricular and co-curricular activities seven days a week throughout the program. Living away from home and experiencing the independence and responsibility of college life is an exhilarating time, and an important aspect of the PreCollege program.Ringling cares about YOU and all aspects of your wellbeing.PreCollege students live on campus in modern air-conditioned residence halls within walking distance to academic buildings and campus resources.Accommodations are single-gendered and double-occupancy.Ringling’s Residence Life staff and trained live-in resident assistants provide supervision and guidance during your stay.They are there to introduce you to the campus, answer any questions you may have, and ensure a smooth transition to PreCollege life.A safe environment is assured with electronic key access to residence halls and 24-hour on-campus security. Learning and fun outside the classroom completes your PreCollege experience.Evening and weekend activities are planned by our Office of Student Life, giving you time to socialize, create memories, and forge lasting friendships.Off-campus outings to local museums and beaches, diverse entertainment activities, and a community service project offer an authentic look at the breadth of the college experience. A fully equipped fitness center, on-site basketball court, and soccer games on the student center deck let you blow off steam and stay fit. A short walk from your residence hall is the College’s Hammond Commons, where you’ll enjoy dining and socializing.Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served weekdays, and brunch and dinner are served during the weekends. There are always vegetarian options, and special dietary needs are accommodated upon request.For your convenience, Ringling’s Outtakes Café is an easy option for a snack between classes.

How much does PreCollege cost?

For 2015, the program costs $5,695, which includes the application fee, program deposit and tuition, room and board, and all art supplies. In addition, there is a refundable damage/residency deposit fee of $275.

Who attends PreCollege?

Up to 170 high school students from across the United States and abroad attend PreCollege each summer. Students must be between 16 and 18 years of age (must be 16 by June 21, 2015) and currently enrolled in 10th through 12th grades. So if you are graduating in 2015, you ARE eligible. Each year, students come from about 30-35 states in the USA, and approximately 10% of attendees are international students.

When is the Application Deadline?

PreCollege doesn't have a deadline. We follow a rolling admissions calendar, where we begin processing applications on November 3, 2014 for the 2015 PreCollege program. We encourage early applications as many of our immersions are very popular and fill quickly. We do, however, continue to accept students so long as there is space available in the program - well into the spring.

Is there financial assistance for PreCollege Perspective?

Through Ringling College, we are able to provide limited need-based scholarships. The application for these grants will be posted online in fall, and complete applications for aid must be received by February 20, 2015. Notifications of awards are made in March. We encourage students and their families to seek alternative sources for scholarships as well, including your local Community Foundations, Arts Councils or Museums, and other philanthropic organizations.

Have more questions? Just email precollege@ringling.edu. We're happy to assist you.